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Literary Devices
Definition of Allusion
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals, historical events, or philosophical ideas... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to... read full definition
Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—Shakespeare to Carey:
King, in general, loved to use allusion throughout his work, and this speech is no different: at multiple points he makes reference to various sources in support of his argument. King was part of a community of racial justice leaders and orators and drew important parts of his speech from them. These included Archibald Carey’s address at the 1952 Republican National Convention, which also included “My Country ’tis of Thee.” King’s long story of his “dream” was inspired by Prathia Hall’s speech in 1962 at a church in Georgia burned down by the Klan, in which she repeated the phrase “I have a dream.” These allusions emphasize King's respect for his predecessors in the civil rights movement.
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Allusions
Explanation and Analysis—Biblical Allusion:
King, a Baptist minister, frequently referenced the Bible to great effect. In this speech, King uses direct allusions to the Bible (in addition to general Christian imagery) to elevate the imagery and argument of his speech, from a question of racial justice in America to one of world peace. One of the most famous lines of the speech is a direct quotation of Isaiah 40:4–5:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I have a dream today that every valley shall be exalted, every hill and every mountain shall be made low, the rough places shall be made plain, and the crooked places shall be made straight and the glory of the Lord will be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.
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